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Time to Join the Free Heel Revolution?

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DollaStoreHumper
Posts: 31 - Karma: 4
Been thinkin a lot about picking up tele skiing but I have no idea where to start. Anyone on here who could help point me in the right direction and answer some dumb questions?

**This thread was edited on Nov 30th 2022 at 10:51:39am
Nov 30 2022 10:51AM
20 3
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Vish-shoe
Posts: 1949 - Karma: 14,473
Nate5BBeen thinkin a lot about picking up tele skiing but I have no idea where to start. Anyone on here who could help point me in the right direction and answer some dumb questions?

**This thread was edited on Nov 30th 2022 at 10:51:39am


no no no

please don’t

what did we do wrong
Nov 30 2022 1:08PM
3 16
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clindblomskier
Posts: 686 - Karma: 5,139
Nate5BBeen thinkin a lot about picking up tele skiing but I have no idea where to start. Anyone on here who could help point me in the right direction and answer some dumb questions?

**This thread was edited on Nov 30th 2022 at 10:51:39am


Step one is to get a tele setup.

75mm bindings are def the cheapest and easiest way to get into tele, but they offer a lot less performance and comfort compared to NTN which is significantly more expensive.

You can find good boots on ebay for not too much

in terms of technique I've always thought that breaking the alpine skier habit of always having your skis parallel is really helpful for learning how to tele turn well. Your outside ski (non dropped knee) will kinda turn in a bit and it'll feel weird and funky to start but when you get used to it it feels great. Tele is super fun and underrated, I'm not a tele skier but my dad is and I have about 15 days dropping knees.
Nov 30 2022 1:15PM
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ridgetop
Posts: 34 - Karma: 109
They don't have a recruiting office near you?
Nov 30 2022 1:16PM
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skiP.E.I.
Posts: 7813 - Karma: 21,823
Try to find some used gear. New Tele stuff is mad expensive these days
Nov 30 2022 2:59PM
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eastcoasticeicle
Posts: 29 - Karma: 191
try to find used gear, I just picked up a used pair of tele boots for $100. i haven't teled in 10 years due to skiing park but am hyped to get back into it
Nov 30 2022 3:44PM
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Ski_Alot
Posts: 5890 - Karma: 3,588
Commit to the tele turns, drop the knees as low as possible to get max power, get knee pads.
Nov 30 2022 3:51PM
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PsychicMigration
Posts: 2099 - Karma: 10,540
Ive heard more people say it comes down to a preference when comparing 75mm to NTN. NTN to me feels really stiff and I'm thinking of going the 75mm route but they are both excellent in their own rights. Typically you want a fatter skis somewhere between 100-110 is usually of. Websites like TGR for used gear and Freeheel Life are good places to start to look at gear. I'll probably go to MRG and hold a sign that says sell me your shitty tele gear and within 5min I'll hopefully have some with something. TGR has many threads that give you lots of information. Ive heard some people like a more playful skis and others like a stiffer ski but in general they are on the more flexible side. Also hear Scarpa boots run small so make note of that. T2 eco boots by them for 75mm are a fantastic boots from every person I've talked to on the lifts which by the way is a great place to start as the community is super forthcoming with information and getting people into tele. Some people like a tele specific ski but its unnecessary and most just use a regular alpine ski. Familiarize yourself with brands and their equipment. I spent some time looking up every binding in gear talk to get an idea since there is a lot of info but its all kind of scattered and lots of this gear gets passed down for 10-15 years unlike alpine.

**This post was edited on Nov 30th 2022 at 4:22:11pm
Nov 30 2022 4:20PM
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Lemuel
Posts: 14486 - Karma: 10,629
Start with used gear. Don't focus on 75 vs NTN, find a boot that fits and build the setup from there.

I tried granola skiing in February, and the only time I put my alpine boots back on was one day while I waited for binding parts (you will break shit).


A good ski to start will be around 95 underfoot, definitely camber with some tip rise. I started on some BD Recon 95’s and there were the perfect intro ski.

I do miss rippin switch, but I just gotta figure it out.
Nov 30 2022 6:23PM
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Lemuel
Posts: 14486 - Karma: 10,629
Definitely keep an eye on Freeheel Life’s used sections, they have a deec selection of skis right now. That’s where I picked up my Bishop BFMR’s
Nov 30 2022 6:24PM
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DollaStoreHumper
Posts: 31 - Karma: 4
clindblomskierStep one is to get a tele setup.

75mm bindings are def the cheapest and easiest way to get into tele, but they offer a lot less performance and comfort compared to NTN which is significantly more expensive.

You can find good boots on ebay for not too much

in terms of technique I've always thought that breaking the alpine skier habit of always having your skis parallel is really helpful for learning how to tele turn well. Your outside ski (non dropped knee) will kinda turn in a bit and it'll feel weird and funky to start but when you get used to it it feels great. Tele is super fun and underrated, I'm not a tele skier but my dad is and I have about 15 days dropping knees.


Thank you for the tips on figuring out turns. From what I'm reading in the replies it seems like 75mm might be the way to go for getting into tele and if I decide to stick with it I should invest in an NTN.
Nov 30 2022 8:53PM
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hoodratz47
Posts: 12020 - Karma: 9,475
Telemarkers ruin the powder worse than anyone else



Fix the heel fix the problem
Nov 30 2022 8:56PM
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DollaStoreHumper
Posts: 31 - Karma: 4
LemuelStart with used gear. Don't focus on 75 vs NTN, find a boot that fits and build the setup from there.

I tried granola skiing in February, and the only time I put my alpine boots back on was one day while I waited for binding parts (you will break shit).


A good ski to start will be around 95 underfoot, definitely camber with some tip rise. I started on some BD Recon 95’s and there were the perfect intro ski.

I do miss rippin switch, but I just gotta figure it out.


Ty for the tips. Did you start out on a cheap pair of skis and then upgrade? or was it more of a try and track down a nice set for a fair price and cop those?
Nov 30 2022 8:58PM
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clindblomskier
Posts: 686 - Karma: 5,139
Nate5BThank you for the tips on figuring out turns. From what I'm reading in the replies it seems like 75mm might be the way to go for getting into tele and if I decide to stick with it I should invest in an NTN.


Yeah for sure, ntn is a really big financial commitment. My dad has been on free heel life for 5 years and just invested in an ntn setup this past season.
Nov 30 2022 9:10PM
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Jbleddy
Posts: 179 - Karma: 1,209
I decided to get into it last year and am no expert in any way, but it cost me about $100.

my old k2 kung fujas = free
old skis with g3 targas =$50
Used garmont boots = $25
Put my old intuition liners into them = free
leashes to avoid the dreaded runaway ski =$20



found most things on ksl in slc or at freeheel life. it’s been a blast learning, makes just skiing on the groomers challenging. It’s a wild ride.
Definitely looking forward to getting better at it.
Nov 30 2022 9:25PM
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dshiland
Posts: 214 - Karma: 1,368
I just got a pair of older 75mm skis and bindings on FB marketplace for 30$ I'm looking for boots but they seem harder to come by. I'm also excited to start dropping knees, good luck on the search!!
Nov 30 2022 11:51PM
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hdubs
Posts: 1131 - Karma: 11,666
Completely endorse this decision. My dad teles and I did it for the first time last winter. Lemme tell you, shit changed my life its super fun
Dec 1 2022 12:12AM
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RGrom
Posts: 12 - Karma: 67
Nate5BBeen thinkin a lot about picking up tele skiing but I have no idea where to start. Anyone on here who could help point me in the right direction and answer some dumb questions?

**This thread was edited on Nov 30th 2022 at 10:51:39am


Knees: Fuck you dude!
Dec 1 2022 12:42AM
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Lemuel
Posts: 14486 - Karma: 10,629
Nate5BTy for the tips. Did you start out on a cheap pair of skis and then upgrade? or was it more of a try and track down a nice set for a fair price and cop those?

I was fortunate enough to get the Black Diamonds for free. But I have an old pair of Head Inferno 104's that were sitting in my garage for years, mounted those up too. I was willing to commit, but now I'm blowing $$$ building the quiver.
RGromKnees: Fuck you dude!

One of the main reasons I'm sticking with tele is my knees never hurt anymore. I always thought tele would be bad for a double ACL survivor like myself. My quads however......
Dec 1 2022 12:57PM
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IsaacNW82
Posts: 769 - Karma: 6,693
Dabbled in it a little over the years, its good fun.

The boots are more comfortable, and you can get different stiffness bindings, in addition to older bindings vs NTN. A real stiff binding is easier to basically alpine ski on and takes more force to drop a knee. Soft bindings give you that awesome easy feeling but you can't be lazy and just alpine ski on em. Just preference, I'd say maybe learn on soft so you're forced to get the technique fast but idk that it matters that much.

I think the cool thing about tele is how ridiculously stable you are in a tele turn, so long and low. Do beware of diving your inside ski in deep powder during a turn though, that gets real weird.

The first, most important thing you learn is how to not fall on your face. if your weight gets too far forward, take a knee, it'll fix that. Flailing doesn't work nearly as well.

I'd say Tele is more fun when you are going slower and not pushing yourself, just enjoying it. More comfy boots are a plus, and tele gear is generally easier to convert to touring gear so actually I think it makes a really fun touring setup.

PS I think you're required to move to Vermont and grow a beard if you pick up Tele, its like a law or something.
Dec 2 2022 10:45AM
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Brayblade
Posts: 333 - Karma: 2,635
I started to dabble in the tele realm a few years ago and have been having a ton of fun with it. I managed to get into tele for around $300 total because I got a great homie deal on bindings and boots. It's a ton of fun and will be a great way to make skiing a little more challenging if that's something you're after. The learning curve is steep at first but you can start making proper tele turns within a few days. Good luck on your free heel journey my friend!
Dec 3 2022 4:18PM
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PsychicMigration
Posts: 2099 - Karma: 10,540
JbleddyI decided to get into it last year and am no expert in any way, but it cost me about $100.

my old k2 kung fujas = free
old skis with g3 targas =$50
Used garmont boots = $25
Put my old intuition liners into them = free
leashes to avoid the dreaded runaway ski =$20



found most things on ksl in slc or at freeheel life. it’s been a blast learning, makes just skiing on the groomers challenging. It’s a wild ride.
Definitely looking forward to getting better at it.


Where do you find everything so cheap
Dec 4 2022 9:53AM
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Jbleddy
Posts: 179 - Karma: 1,209
PsychicMigrationWhere do you find everything so cheap


SLC has a ton of deals for used gear. Mainly just online listings like Ksl Classifieds, Facebook marketplace, or the gear room store near the mouth of BCC.
Dec 6 2022 9:01AM
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PsychicMigration
Posts: 2099 - Karma: 10,540
JbleddySLC has a ton of deals for used gear. Mainly just online listings like Ksl Classifieds, Facebook marketplace, or the gear room store near the mouth of BCC.


I would imagine that’s a much better market then southern New England. Going to try to find something in Vermont this year
Dec 6 2022 12:28PM
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Lemuel
Posts: 14486 - Karma: 10,629
PsychicMigrationI would imagine that’s a much better market then southern New England. Going to try to find something in Vermont this year


Outdoor Gear Exchange in Burlington had a good selection of used tele gear around Christmas of last year, that's when I started snagging stuff.
Dec 6 2022 12:45PM
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Jbleddy
Posts: 179 - Karma: 1,209
PsychicMigrationI would imagine that’s a much better market then southern New England. Going to try to find something in Vermont this year


It is, I moved up to Bellingham washington this past summer and the gear market doesn’t compare. Great for bikes, meh for skis.
Dec 6 2022 12:57PM
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PsychicMigration
Posts: 2099 - Karma: 10,540
LemuelOutdoor Gear Exchange in Burlington had a good selection of used tele gear around Christmas of last year, that's when I started snagging stuff.


Went there last march and it was cleaned out. I should be able to find something from someone at MRG this winter.
Dec 6 2022 1:10PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
ONE OF US. ONE OF US. ONE OF US.
Dec 6 2022 3:33PM
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Shifty_God
Posts: 103 - Karma: 1,313
I wish I were good at tele skiing everyone that is crazy makes it look so sick.
Dec 8 2022 12:13PM
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24725 - Karma: 29,944
clindblomskierStep one is to get a tele setup.

75mm bindings are def the cheapest and easiest way to get into tele, but they offer a lot less performance and comfort compared to NTN which is significantly more expensive.


Personally, I find that all to be nonsense... NTN allows for more stability on really big beefy setups, but if youre just crusing around on 90ish underfoot skis, then 75 setups are absolutely great and the boots fit all pretty similarly between NTN and 75 within brands..

Hell, I have a 75 setup on some fischer 108 Rangers and its totally acceptable... just need stiffer springs.

Note - There is a 3rd way... which is what I have done... Get a pair of Scarpa F1's or F3's for super cheap (like seriously shops that still have them as new/old stock dont even know what to do with them) and get a TTS binding system from either OMG or Voile (or frankenstein together one yourself). Not really ideal unless your main goal is backcountry touring, but it's there.
Dec 8 2022 12:50PM
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DollaStoreHumper
Posts: 31 - Karma: 4
Lil update:

I found a pair of Moment Bibby's with tele bindings on them for a decent price. Probably not a good ski for me to try and learn on but I'm thinkin that worst case if I pick them up and don't like tele skiing I can just chuck some alpine bindings on them and ski them normal. Just need to hunt down a pair of boots now and i'm set.
Dec 8 2022 1:21PM
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